Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition first drive

What is it?Porsche’s golden anniversary version of the 911. And, by the looks of things, it could almost be another retro-special modern throwback sports car, right out of the mould of the Eagle E-type, the Cropredy Bridge Jensen Interceptor S, and David Brown’s new Speedback GT. There’s certainly enough chrome on display here for that kind of comparison.Then again, there’s no smoke without fire; no retro sports machine without an appetite for one in the first place. So perhaps Porsche’s 50th Anniversary Edition 911 is just a timely bit of business opportunism. Or maybe it’s altruism: a limited-edition Carrera S designed to reward true brand aficionados with enhanced residual value, a more generous equipment level, a more special driving experience and that extra bit of enthusiast cache. Could be a bit of both.What really matters is that this gussied-up 911 manages – in spite of all that chrome – not to look overly indulgent; that it handles as sweetly as any ‘991’ below the awesome GT3; and that it’s not over-priced.What’s it like?The 50th Anniversary Edition is ostensibly a 3.8-litre Carrera S with the wider body normally reserved for the Carrera 4S and Turbo. It gets 20in alloys which reference Porsche’s classic ‘Fuchs’ rim, and re-programmed PASM adaptive suspension to put those wider tracks to good use. It also gets a couple of special paint colours, some reasonably tasteful bits of supplementary body chrome and special interior trims, and a better equipment level than a normal Carrera S too.Metallic paint, dynamic headlights and jazzy ‘SportDesign’ door mirrors are included for no extra cost. Match the standard specification on an equivalent non-anniversary 911 and you’ll pay almost £88k for it – not counting the wide body, wheels, or any of the other one-off additions.So there’s no extra power or performance here – but the Carrera S felt like it needed neither. Above 4500rpm the car accelerates as hard as you’re ever likely to want, and it delivers its pace so seductively: always smoothly, building to a 7000rpm crescendo as lingering and velvet-sharp as a chilli-laden Bloody Mary.Getting out of a standard Carrera S and into the 50th Anniversary Edition, you’ll notice the heavier steering, plus a slightly firmer ride when ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ PASM modes are selected. The heavier handwheel’s worth its place because it filters in just a natch more communication from the front end.The stiffer suspension adds a smidge of lateral grip and near-limit stability for track use, but leaving the dampers in their softer setting is the way to make them work for you on the road. A bit of gentle vertical body movement is to be embraced as part of the 911’s idiosyncratic handling repertoire: it lets you gauge how hard the chassis is working. On a testing road, the stiffer suspension settings create abruptness in their attempt to keep the body tied down.Should I buy one?Yes. But getting your order right remains absolutely key. Manual versus PDK is a personal choice, but avoid ‘PDCC’ active anti-roll bars and PASM sport suspension. Do make sure you have Sport Chrono Plus though, with those active engine mounts – and do have a sports exhaust.Do all that and you’ll buy a beguiling driver’s car in this 911, and one worthy of such a celebrated history. Truth is, there are more perfect-handling sports cars you might spend your £92k on, but few will be more interesting; more absorbing to drive.The ’50 Years Edition’ isn’t a game-changer – just an old dog up to its familiar old tricks. Happy Birthday, Fido.Porsche 911 50th Anniversary EditionPrice £92,257; 0-62mph 4.5sec; Top speed 186mph; Economy 29.7mpg; CO2 224g/km; Kerbweight 1410kg; Engine 6 cyls horizontally opposed, 3800cc, normally aspirated, petrol; Power 395bhp at 7400rpm; Torque 325lb ft at 5600rpm; Gearbox 7-spd manual